The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service’s Deputy Under Secretary, Darci Vetter and Former Senator George McGovern are traveling in Kenya May 10-16 to visit World Food Program sites and observe how the nutrition programs meet broader food security initiatives in Africa.

McGovern is the Ambassador to the World Food Program.  Along with Dr. Robert Dole, McGovern was recognized in 2008 by the World Food Prize for his leadership in collaborating a link between the productivity of American farmers and the needs of hungry children across the globe.

food-aid-featured.jpg“The World Food Program is an important participant in USDA’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program,” said Vetter. “Congress recognized the vision of Senators McGovern and Dole when it established this program. It is an amazing opportunity for me to travel with Senator McGovern and see firsthand the direct impact that these programs have on children and families.” 

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service administers the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program to help support education, child development, and food security for some of the world’s poorest children.  

While on their trip, Vetter and McGovern will visit school feeding sites in rural areas as well as Niairobi.  They will meet with communities that are working on establishing their own homegrown school feeding programs.  

In addition, the officials will meet with small farmers who participate in the World Food Program’s local and regional procurement program.  Vetter will also visit agricultural development projects in the dairy and cassava sectors.

The program provides for donations of U.S. agricultural products, as well as financial and technical assistance, for school feeding and maternal and child nutrition projects in low-income, food-deficit countries that are committed to universal education.

More about the USDA and FAS Food Aid Programs is available on the Food Aid Website.

Photo:  USDA Food Aid Photo Gallery